The 'beginner runners' of 'You Have to Run' brought breathtaking emotions as they challenged the much-anticipated 'full marathon'.
In the final episode of MBN's special project for its 30th anniversary, broadcasted on the 21st, the 'You Have to Run Crew' embarked on their final mission, the 'full marathon', after three months of challenges. A total of 12 members of the 'You Have to Run Crew' participated in the 'full marathon', with 8 successfully completing it. Among them, 'Ace' Lee Jang-jun claimed the top spot as MVP and earned a spot in the 'Sydney Marathon', one of the world's seven major marathon events, receiving enthusiastic support from viewers.
Previously, after completing 'trail running', the 'You Have to Run Crew' fell into contemplation when Deputy Director Lee Young-pyo mentioned that 'those who wish can challenge the full marathon.' After two weeks, the 'You Have to Run' production team and coaches gathered at an APT. complex in Incheon to prepare for the 'full marathon.' Bae Sung-jae noted, 'I have lived with a mindset of 'if it happens, it happens,' but our 'You Have to Run Crew' shows the spirit of 'it can be done,' which I thought was amazing. I wonder what choices the 'You Have to Run Crew' made before this grand challenge,' as he waited for applicants for the 'full marathon.' Shortly after, starting with Lee Jang-jun and Han Sang-bo, Ahn Seong-hoon, Kim Seung-jin, Yul-hee, Son Jeong-eun, Yang So-young, Sleepy, Jo Jin-hyung, Bae Yoon-jung, Choi Jun-seok, and Yang Jun-hyuk appeared one after another. Ahn Seong-hoon stated, 'Even if I can't finish, I will find meaning in the challenge,' and Yul-hee resolutely said, 'I will challenge the full marathon to keep my promise to break my limits.' Bang Eun-hee and Heo Jae temporarily postponed their full marathon challenges due to injuries and stamina issues, while Jang Dong-seon was absent due to schedule conflicts that day.
As the 12 of them set out, when the starting whistle blew, as everyone expected, Lee Jang-jun quickly took off like a deer. However, at the 20km mark, he hit a snag, saying, 'This is bad. My legs won't move. This is the first time I've had to walk during the 'You Have to Run' race.' Despite this, Lee Jang-jun said, 'I will definitely finish this marathon with the hope of reuniting with the Golden Child members,' and he ran through tears until the end, crossing the finish line in first place and successfully completing his first 'full marathon' in his life.
On the other hand, Ahn Seong-hoon showed signs of struggle in the middle of the race. He confessed, 'My legs started to hurt bit by bit after passing 19km, and it got worse. I think it’s because I couldn't sleep last night. Honestly, I arrived in Seoul at 12:30 a.m. and slept in the car.' During this time, he saw a cheering video prepared by the production team from his parents and became emotional, ultimately shedding tears. Ahn Seong-hoon said, 'My parents were smiling and speaking, and I couldn't help but cry. I don't know if I can finish with my legs not cooperating, but I will do my best while avoiding injury,' and then finished the race at the 30km mark. Shortly after, in an interview with the production team, he expressed, 'It's so disappointing, but I promise to challenge the full marathon again next time.' Bae Yoon-jung, who struggled with chronic knee pain, also finished the race with a sense of regret after running over 20km.
Han Sang-bo and Kim Seung-jin, who ran silently, crossed the finish line in 2nd and 3rd place, and Son Jeong-eun rose to 4th place, surprising everyone. After finishing the marathon, Son Jeong-eun cried, saying, 'Thank you for helping me achieve a bucket list dream.' Yul-hee, who showed determination in every challenge, recorded a 5th place finish. Yul-hee shared, 'It feels like I've graduated from the hardships of life. I feel like I've learned how to truly experience happiness.' Jo Jin-hyung finished in 6th place, Sleepy in 7th, and Yang Jun-hyuk in 8th, all successfully completing the race. Before the race, Yang Jun-hyuk vowed, 'When I first challenged the full marathon 13 years ago, I had a record of 8 hours and 30 minutes; I will break that today,' and he kept that promise, moving everyone deeply. Yang So-young and Choi Jun-seok had to stop the race after passing 30km due to injuries and stamina issues but showed their best effort until the end. Choi Jun-seok shared, 'This is my longest race record in life. I received more love than I deserve from such great people,' as he concluded his final challenge.
After all the races were over, Director General Sean expressed, 'When I received the offer for 'You Have to Run,' it felt like a variety show, but it seems I filmed a documentary. Though it was hard, I was happy to see everyone running happily,' thanking the 'You Have to Run Crew.' Then, the time for the final MVP announcement arrived. As expected, Lee Jang-jun, who had been active from start to finish, was named MVP and earned a spot in the 'Sydney Marathon', a dream stage for runners. Director General Sean remarked, 'A miracle has happened to us. Let's continue to run together,' as he concluded the beautiful and grand marathon journey by shouting 'You Have to Run.' After the broadcast, viewers sent enthusiastic feedback, saying, 'You Have to Run effectively showcased the charms of marathons; I really enjoyed it,' 'I'm looking forward to Lee Jang-jun's challenge at the Sydney Marathon,' 'In witnessing everyone relying on and helping each other, I’ve learned the true meaning of life,' and, 'Can’t lose the 'You Have to Run Crew'! I will continue to support your wonderful running,' as they looked forward to the next season.
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